Latest news with #AgeConnectsTorfaen
South Wales Argus
22-05-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Live music sessions for people with dementia in Pontypool
Music in Hospitals & Care has announced a partnership with Age Connects Torfaen, which will see regular live music sessions take place at the Age Connects day centre in Pontypool. The initiative, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund's 'Awards for All' programme, aims to improve the emotional wellbeing of people with dementia. The sessions, which are tailored for people aged 50 and over, will take place twice a month for the next two years. Emma Wooten, development manager at Age Connects Torfaen, said: "The idea is to explore whether live music resonates with our service users. "Some of them are nonverbal, but as soon as the music starts, their faces light up, they clap, tap along, or even start to sing. "It brings back memories - maybe it is their wedding song or a tune from a family celebration. "Music evokes strong emotions and can trigger joyful or meaningful memories." The charity said that 76 per cent of residents reported feeling less isolated after participating in Music in Hospitals & Care live music, while 78 per cent of residents felt less stressed and anxious. Ms Wooten added: "With something like Alexa or YouTube playing in the background, distractions are common, but with a live performance they are captivated. "That is rare for someone with dementia, whose attention span is often short."
South Wales Argus
08-05-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Age Connects Torfaen secures funding for unpaid carers
The money will allow the charity to carry on its work in Torfaen, Newport, and Blaenau Gwent in providing activities and support through the Short Breaks Scheme and Carers Support Fund. These initiatives, coordinated by Carers Trust Wales, will run until March 2026, thanks to Welsh Government funding. The charity helps unpaid carers of people living with dementia, ensuring they receive essential breaks, resources, and support. Emma Wootten, development manager at Age Connects Torfaen, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have secured this funding renewal. "It recognises the essential role unpaid carers play in our communities. "Too often, their invaluable contributions go unseen, yet they are the backbone of our health and social care system. "This funding allows us to offer carers a much-needed break—support that can make a significant difference in their lives and the lives of those they care for. "It provides the breathing space they often desperately need to carry on." The Short Breaks project, 'Your Time, Your Choice', will help unpaid carers access a range of activities, including nights away, peer support groups, and day trips. Kate Cubbage, director of Carers Trust Wales, said: "Unpaid carers across Wales provide invaluable care for family members, friends, and loved ones, often at great personal sacrifice. "We've heard from thousands of unpaid carers that the Short Breaks Scheme has given them their first access to a break from caring and that grants through the Carers Support Fund have been essential to keeping food on the table and heat in their homes. "These programmes are helping to sustain carers through some of the toughest times." For more information about Age Connects Torfaen and the services available, visit the Age Connects Torfaen website.
